Frequent fliers know there will come a time when a bug takes hold and grounds them.
Ideally they will be home with access to a bed and chicken soup. But what happens when someone is already on the road?
Despite what the airlines say about the air quality on planes, when people are in close quarters, germs fly around and odds are they will get sick, especially those who travel a lot.
Here is my list of lifesavers that I bring when I do business travel -- just in case:
Related: How Business Travel Can Be a Danger to Your Health
Item No. 1: DayQuil and NyQuil pills (generic brands are fine, too)
Quantity: Two sheets with both types of pills
Why: If I have to travel 10,000 miles for a meeting, I want to be able to attend even if I feel sick. Of course, that's only if it’s a simple cold.
This was a lesson I learned the hard way. I recall a specific instance where I traveled a great distance for a meeting. The day of the meeting I woke up sick as a dog and after taking a megadose of DayQuil, I decided to make the effort and attend the gathering (even though my thinking was impaired). I arrived only to find 11 people present, instead of just one, who all were anticipating a two-hour presentation. Needless to say, I did not do well. The lesson: Know and accept my personal limits.
Item No. 2: Airborne
Quantity: A small container
Why: I don’t know if Airborne is a placebo nor do I care. Whenever I travel more than 5,000 miles, I make sure to take it before going to bed and again in the morning. It's also nice to have something to drink, especially when I'm waking up before room service has begun delivering.
Item No. 3: Pepto-Bismol
Quantity: Four pills
Why: I never know if that airport seafood is going to make me a little green around the gills. So these are terrific if I'm boarding and already feeling a bit fishy.
Fun Fact: I used to carry Tums or Rolaids, but they are slightly heavier. Remember, every fraction of an ounce matters with a carry-on!
Item No. 4: Band-Aids
Quantity: Four strips
Why: Your favorite shoes, the ones you’ve been wearing for the last five years, might decide to all of a sudden give you a blister and you'll still have to walk the length of two more airports. Band-Aids are a requirement for all travelers and they weigh next to nothing! If I know I'm going to have to walk great distances, such as through Dallas airport or Ottawa's, or heaven forbid Heathrow, I keep a little patch of moleskin on hand.
Item No. 5: Sleeping aids
Quantity: Half the number of days you will be away
Why: If I have been on the road for four or five days and REM sleep deprivation has taken its toll, I might pop an over-the-counter sleeping pill. Taking one half of an Excedrin PM will bring me to the current time zone. Don't have one on hand and traveling in a group? Ask! Everyone has a stash.